3-4 WEEKS PRIOR TO MOVE

• Make an inventory of everything to be moved
• Donate any unwanted clothing or furniture
• Book the moving elevator and confirm parking arrangement for truck
• Contact insurance company to transfer policies (life, homeowners)
• Review Tax deductions on moving expenses
• Request change of address kit from post-office
• Prepare a list of friends, business firms and personal accounts who should be notified of your upcoming move
• Arrange cut-off/activation dates for utility companies:
  • Telephone/Cable - Northern Valley 888-010-8945, Midcontinent 800-888-1300, Century Link 800-244-1111
  • Gas/Electricity - Northern Electric 605-225-0310, Northwestern Energy 800-245-6977
  • Water/Garbage (closing company changes service for you, if in Aberdeen)
  • Lawn care or snow removal service
  • Home Insurance
  • Newspaper - Aberdeen American News 888-525-3438
• Get copies of your records from doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, veterinarians, etc.
• Make arrangements to transfer your children's school records.
• Make travel and hotel reservations for family and pets.

2 WEEKS PRIOR TO MOVE

• Purchase any moving supplies
• Make an appointment with a service technician to prepare major appliances for shipment (i.e. plumber, electrician)
• Have rugs and draperies cleaned and leave wrapped when returned
• Obtain written appraisal of antique items to verify value
• Make a plan to dispose of flammables that can’t be transported: Aerosol Cans/ Cleaning Fluid/ Ammunition/ Fireworks/ Household Liquids/Oil Cans/ Paint/ Thinner/ Propane Tanks
• Arrange for new bank accounts (if moving out of areas) in your new location
  • Remember to allow time for change of direct deposits or automatic payments before old accounts are closed
  • Change address on all accounts including loans
  • Your old mortgage company should have your new address to send your year-end statement of interest paid
• Check with your automobile insurance company to make sure there is not a change in your premium due to your move
• Transfer medical prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new location and/or arrange for an ample supply of medication until you locate a new physician
• Return library books/videos

1 WEEK PRIOR TO MOVE

• Check furniture for dents and scratches
• Label items you need to access easily
• Clean out the refrigerator/plan to defrost and dry day before move
• Drain equipment: water hoses, propane tank, gas/oil lawnmowers
• Schedule to have utilities turn on at your new home
• Make a plan to transport house plants
• Confirm travel arrangements for pets and family
• Set aside legal documents, valuables, medications, etc. to go with you and not in the moving van
• Close safe deposit box if changing banks. Return all box keys to the bank

DAY OF MOVE

• Designate boxes and items as “last load” items
• All loose items are packed into boxes with the top closed
• All electronics are unplugged from a power source. Plasma TV’s should be unplugged the day before so they are at room temperature on move day.
• All pictures are removed from the walls
• All boxes are labeled with their destination room in your new home on the top and sides of each box
• All heavy and breakable items are removed from dressers and desks
• All contents are removed from appliances
• All items are removed from the top of furniture
• All linens are removed from beds
• All rooms, closets, cabinets have been checked
• Disassemble bedroom sets to save time

Prepare an essentials box:

• Toilet Paper (unopened)
• Snacks/Instant Coffee Scissors/Pocket Knife
• Garbage Bags
• Change of Clothes
• Dish Soap and Towel
• Pet Food and Dish
• Flashlight
• Portable Tool Kit
• Towels
• All-Purpose Cleaner (unopened)
• Mug/Plate/Cutlery
• Shower Curtain
• Important Records/Documents

Before you leave the house:

• Water shut off
• A/C shut off
• Lights turned off
• Windows shut and locked
• Surrender house keys
• Check for items left behind

Closing day:

• Buyers bring to closing balance of down payment and verification of paid homeowner's insurance

Soon after closing:

• Cancel homeowner's or renters insurance, provide new address for any refund
• Register to vote in your new location
• Use the Change of Address Checklist
• Update your Last Will and Testament. Is your estate plan affected in any way by new state laws or possible state inheritance taxes? Review your Living Will, Durable Power of Attorney and Health Care Power of Attorney.

ANYTIME: Contact us with your real estate questions or needs. We consider your referrals the highest compliment and pledge to provide the high level of service which your friends and acquaintances deserve!